Review of The Almond Tree by DNA India

Michelle Cohen Corasanti’s book is a story of a genius in the backdrop of Israel-Palestine conflict.

When I received The Almond Tree for a review, I was already reading an interesting book on war. However, just to kill time while going home in cab, I picked up the book to go through the first few pages. After that, I could not put it down (earning the book another title: Unputdownable, thanks to my colleague!)

The Almond Tree is the story of a Palestinian family and thousands of families in general who are bound to live like refugees in their own homeland. It is a brave attempt by Michelle Cohen Corasanti, an American Jew, to perceive past, present and future from the eyes of Arabs in her debut novel. War stories make for interesting reads, provided they are backed with facts and written with objective mindset. Corasanti’s work is accurate when it comes to emotions and dramatics, but the same can’t be said about the facts.

Gifted with a brilliant mind that has made a deep impression on the elders of his Palestinian village, Ahmed Hamid, the protagonist, is tormented by his inability to save his friends and family. Living under occupation, the inhabitants of his village harbour a constant fear of losing their homes, jobs, belongings — and each other. On Ahmed’s 12th birthday, that fear becomes a reality. With his father now imprisoned, his family’s home and possessions confiscated and his siblings quickly succumbing to hatred in the face of conflict, Ahmed embarks on a journey. From his overbearing mother to the death of his siblings, from the pressures of an interfaith relationship to the fallout of discrimination, he confronts each challenge with strength and determination, whether it is political, religious or otherwise.

Despite being a wonderful read, the book has its shortcomings. The story of The Almond Tree is woven with emotions, more than bound by practical knowledge. It is almost impossible to measure the amount of hate between people torn apart by violence and indignity. The pain of leaving one’s motherland is huge, but the pain of living like a refugee in one’s own country is tremendous. It is here that Corasanti falters. She definitely wants peace between Jews and Arabs but fails to understand that peace cannot be won with wars.

However, overall the message of the novel is beautiful. Corasanti has a way of writing about pain, she knows the art of making her reader understand the agony of her characters. While there is a lot of enmity and despair, there are also people in the book who let go of their hatred to understand the message of love. If we do not talk about facts and practical solutions, but only human emotions, this book is a clear winner.

“The Almond Tree, intelligent,
never over stated and written with love, informs and educates”
“The details are so personal, so harrowing, yet so full of hope
and triumph over evil, you desperately want it to be real.”

Hackwriters, The International Writer´s Magazine

Gifted with a mind that continues to impress the elders in his village, Ahmed Hamid struggles with knowing that he can do nothing to save his friends and family. Living on occupied land, his entire village operates in fear of losing their homes, jobs, and belongings. But more importantly, the people fear losing each other.

Timid Fingers

This stunning debut conveys a universal story of human courage and resolution. Comparable to Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, this novel delivers an inspirational story of unfathomable pain and incredible perseverance.

Timid Fingers

The preconceived notion that the greatest creations in world literature have almost been achieved in the grim periods of time comes true with Michelle Cohen’s debut, The Almond Tree. Michelle, although is a lesser known novelist unlike other Jewish authors of enormous fame, Imre Kertész or Amos Oz but her literary explorations and rich narration can be feasibly equated to such canons of literature… Michelle’s craftsmanship of drawing characters is conspicuously dexterous.

Rising Kashmir

I loved the way she described each and every character from Amal, Abbas, and Hani to Ahmed and Sara. This is the way a story should be narrated.

Timid Fingers

My hope is that one day heads of state from around the globe will actually say to Michelle Cohen Corasanti, “You are the woman who, when you made us look through the eyes of Ichmad Hamid, Menachem Sharon and Abbas Hamid, of Nora,Justice and Zoher, of Baba and Yasmine, of Amal and Sara, effectively argued for peace.

Marsha Hansen (Sister in law of Keith Richards,Rolling Stones) speaks about The Almond Tree

“If you enjoyed The Kite Runner or In the Shadow of the Banyan,
you will want to read The Almond Tree”

Carol Fitzgerald, co-Founder/President of The Book Report Network

The Almond Tree humanizes a culture and brings characters from a distant land to life.

Timid Fingers

“, a Kite-Runner-like epic of Palestinian life by Michelle Cohen Corasanti,
makes you aware of what it’s like to exist under Israeli rule…
told in a manner that strongly resembles the voice and narrative used by Khaled Hosseini in his popular novel, The Kite Runner.”
“A Palestinian Tale Told by a Jewish American.”
“Although possibly difficult for Israelis and Jews everywhere to read,
The Almond Tree should
be required reading for all as when there is understanding
of the…

The Times of Israel

“Rarely does a reader encounter a first novel so rich in irony, compassion,
power, and the sheer beauty of timeless and universal truths.
“…her powerful prose and compelling characters raises
The Almond Tree to the status of epic”

Mark Spencer author, The Masked Demon, A Haunted Love Story and The Weary Motel

“As the pages are turned, Michelle’s brilliance as a writer is hard to miss.”

The Asian Age

The Almond Tree skillfully cobbles together a mosaic of the Palestinian condition from the mid-twentieth century to the present time with stark candor.

Marsha Hansen (Sister in law of Keith Richards,Rolling Stones) speaks about The Almond Tree

“Beautifully written”
“…exhibits an inherent knowledge of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territories
and Gaza.” “Corasanti’s elaboration of history and fiction has
created a touching narration which ensnares the reader from the first chapter.”

Middle East Monitor

“…a moving and powerful novel based on historical events,
which the writer weaves together harmoniously…
It is the type of story that will keep you wondering
where reality ends and fiction starts.”

“Credit goes to the author for conceptualizing and scripting this beautiful story so brilliantly.”

pebbleinthestillwaters.blogspot

The name itself sends a tickling sensation down the spine. After completing the whole book I can very easily say this is the best possible name for this piece of art. The role the tree has conveyed in this book makes the name perfect.

Timid Fingers

…bewitching debut novel

Kitaab Review

When Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner made an impact after reading, Corasanti’s The Almond Tree is no less to it. With her brilliant writing, the author amazes the readers with a most powerful and inspiring story line.